How To: Set Up Rules to Manage Same-day Bookings

Learn how to set up Campspot rules to manage bookings made on the same day as check-in.

Maximizing Same-Day Bookings: A Guide to Effective Management

Discover the essential tools and rules at your disposal to streamline the handling of same-day bookings, empowering both your park's employees and customers for an optimal experience.

In this article, explore how to use Campspot functionality to manage Same-Day bookings including:

• Booking in Advance Limits Rule
• Payment Policy Rule
• Communicating with your Guests
• Handing After-Hours Same-Day Bookings

Booking in Advance Limits Rule

Exercise precision in managing reservations with the Booking in Advance Limits Rule. Answer critical questions:

1. How close to the Check-in day/time do you want to accept online or admin site bookings?
2. Will you allow same-day bookings?
3. Is there a specific time on the day of arrival by which same-day bookings should be finalized?

During setup of this rule, you will define:

• Site Types / Add On Types - Define what your booking rule affects.
• Admin Site & Consumer Site bookings - set rules to specifically control booking based on origin
• Prevent bookings fewer than __ (Hours / Days) in advance - this part of the rule should be leveraged to control how much time prior to arrival a booking can be made

Payment Policy Rule

Craft a specialized payment policy for same-day arrivals, potentially requiring 100% payment.

Utilizing the "If booking ___ to ___ days prior to arrival" section within the Payment Policy rule enables you to focus your efforts specifically on guests with an arrival date you define.

Communicate with Guests

Automate the booking process using the rules mentioned above. Ensure your system communications cover these key points for same-day reservations (click on any of the below to view more details):

1. Messaging: Confirmation Email
2. Messaging: Online Check-in email
3. Policies: Terms & Conditions
4. Policies: Cancellation Policy
   
5. Policies: Refund Policy

Same-day bookings checking in after hours

For same-day arrivals after office hours, consider adjusting site visibility on the Reservation Order Details page. Campspot gives you the functionality to either Hide sites or allow them to be visible on a guest's Order Details.

Not sure if you are using it?

Navigate to Campground Setup

Click on the Properties tab

Select General

Find the "Order Details" section (screenshot below).

If a Check is in the box, your system will Hide any unlocked sites from an Order Details page. If it is unchecked, the system will show the site a guest is currently assigned.

Site Optimization & Same-Day Arrivals

Be aware that Site Optimization stops three days prior to the arrival date. Reservations made within this timeframe will not be moved unless an Admin Site user intervenes.